John Patterson

John Patterson, known affectionately as “JP,” was born on May 12, 1957, in the rural town of Greenfield, Iowa. Even as a boy, he was fascinated by how things worked, spending hours taking apart old radios and meticulously putting them back together. His parents encouraged his curiosity and taught him the importance of community—a lesson that stayed with him throughout his life. He enjoyed the simplicity of small-town living, filling his days with bike rides through open fields, family picnics by the local creek, and occasional weekend trips to the nearest city.

In his early twenties, JP moved to Des Moines in search of new opportunities, finding steady employment in a local factory where he worked for over three decades. He quickly became known for his work ethic, joining Des Moines Local 125 and actively supporting his fellow workers. During this time, he met and married his wife, and together they raised two children who remember him for his constant presence at school events, heartfelt advice, and easygoing sense of humor. Despite his self-described “average” life, JP left a meaningful impact on those around him, volunteering with Hands Across Des Moines and serving as a dependable member of the Des Moines Community Church.

JP passed away on August 25, 2022, in Des Moines, at the age of 65. He is remembered as a gentle soul who believed in kindness, hard work, and the value of simple pleasures—like gardening on a sunny afternoon or tinkering with an old radio in the garage. His family now honors his memory on VMS, sharing photos of his early days in Greenfield, stories of his unwavering dedication to his children, and anecdotes of the small acts of generosity that made him a beloved neighbor and friend. Through these shared memories, JP’s legacy continues to inspire and remind others that every life, no matter how “ordinary,” carries a story worth celebrating.